Viewing entries tagged
Preservation

Pedaling with Purpose: Celebrating Our February Partner, CURE Childhood Cancer

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Pedaling with Purpose: Celebrating Our February Partner, CURE Childhood Cancer

At Savannah Bike Tours, we believe the best way to experience the "Hostess City" is on two wheels—but the best way to live in it is by giving back. As we pedal through the moss-draped squares and historic corridors of Savannah, we are constantly reminded that our community is what truly makes this city beautiful.

That’s why we are so proud to announce that, thanks to our riders, we donated $551 to our February donation partner: CURE Childhood Cancer.

Why CURE Childhood Cancer?

For families facing the unimaginable reality of a pediatric cancer diagnosis, CURE is more than just an organization—it is a lifeline. Based right here in Georgia, CURE focuses on a two-part mission that resonates deeply with us:

  • Life-Saving Research: They are leaders in "Precision Medicine," funding targeted research that treats a child’s specific genetic makeup rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This leads to more effective treatments and fewer long-term side effects for survivors.

  • Family Support: Beyond the lab, CURE provides immediate assistance to families. From providing warm meals in the hospital to helping with emergency financial needs and professional counseling, they ensure that no family walks this difficult path alone.

Your Miles, Your Impact

This donation of $551 was made possible by every person who booked a tour with us this past month. Whether you joined us for a "Historic District Tour" or rode the beach on our "Tybee Tour," a portion of your ticket went directly to supporting these children and their families.

In a city known for its history, we are honored to help CURE write a brighter future for the kids in our community.

What’s Next?

We aren’t stopping here! Savannah Bike Tours is committed to "Pedaling with Purpose" all year long. Every month, we select a new local partner to support, ensuring that as our wheels turn, our community moves forward too. March’s donation partner is Chatham County Citizen Advocacy.

Ready to ride for a cause? Book your next tour today and help us make March just as impactful as February!

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The Local’s Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Why Two Wheels are Better Than Four

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The Local’s Guide to St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Why Two Wheels are Better Than Four

Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day isn't just a holiday; it’s a season. In 2026, with the parade falling on a Tuesday, March 17, the city is bracing for a massive "long weekend" of festivities starting as early as Friday, March 13.

​Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, navigating the Hostess City during the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the U.S. can be daunting. Between the road closures, the "green" fountain crowds, and the lack of parking, your best friend this year isn't a rideshare app—it’s a bicycle.

​2026 Milestone Events

​To plan your visit, keep these key 2026 dates on your radar:

​March 6 (Friday): The Greening of the Fountain at Forsyth Park (12:00 PM). A perfect day for a midday bike tour to see the water turn emerald.

​March 14 (Saturday): The Tybee Island Heritage Parade. Expect the downtown historic district to be bustling with "pre-game" energy.

​March 17 (Tuesday): The Grand Parade (10:15 AM). The main event!

​Why Biking is the "Secret Weapon" for 2026

​If you try to drive into the Historic District on the weekend of the 14th or the morning of the 17th, you’ll spend more time in your car than at the pub. Here is why we recommend seeing the city on two wheels:

​1. Bypass the Gridlock

​During parade week, the city creates a "Security Zone." Major arteries like Bay Street, Broughton, and Abercorn become strictly controlled. While cars are diverted into endless loops, bikes can navigate the peripheral lanes and smaller brick-paved alleys, getting you to your destination in a fraction of the time.

2. The "Step-Through" Advantage

​At Savannah Bike Tours, our fleet includes comfortable step-through bikes. Why does that matter for St. Paddy's? Because if you’re wearing a kilt, a tutu, or a heavy green blazer, you want a bike that is easy to hop on and off without a wardrobe malfunction!

3. Front-Row Square Access

​Savannah has 22 historic squares, and during the parade, they are packed. A bike allows you to scout multiple squares (like Lafayette or Madison) quickly to find that perfect pocket of shade or the best view of the marching pipe bands.

​Pro-Tips for Navigating the Festive Chaos

​Pro-Tip #1: Arrive Early. If you have a tour booked with us at 502 East Broughton St, plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early. Broughton Street is the heart of the action, and the sidewalk traffic can be as slow as a parade itself!

​Pro-Tip #2: The "Open Container" Zone. Remember that while Savannah has a famous "to-go cup" policy, it only applies to the historic district (North of Jones Street). Also, safety first: Please don't drink and pedal. We want you to enjoy the history, not become part of it!

​Pro-Tip #3: Lock it Up. If you’re hopping off your bike to grab a green snapdragon or a Guinness, ensure you use the racks provided. Avoid locking bikes to historic railings or trees—the city is strict during festival week!

​What You’ll See on tour during the week of St. Paddy’s

​While the party is on the river, the story of the Irish in Savannah is in the streets. On our tours, we’ll dive into:

The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: The stunning backdrop for many Irish festivities.

Emmet Park: Named after the Irish orator Robert Emmet, this is the "Celtic Heart" of Savannah.

​The Factor's Walk: See where the history of trade and the Irish labor force shaped the very walls of the city.

​Book Your 2026 Tour Now!

​Availability during the week of March 13–17 vanishes fast. If you want to see the moss-draped oaks and the historic architecture without getting stuck in a pedestrian traffic jam, a guided bike tour is your golden ticket!!

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Pedaling with Purpose: Supporting the Savannah Jaguars!

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Pedaling with Purpose: Supporting the Savannah Jaguars!

At Savannah Bike Tours, we believe the best way to experience our beautiful city is on two wheels—but the best way to live in it is by giving back to the community that makes Savannah so special.

We are thrilled to announce that our January 2026 Donation Partner was the Savannah Jaguars Youth Baseball team!

Small Gears, Big Impact

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a ride through the Hostess City last month, we were able to donate $327 to these young athletes.

The Savannah Jaguars aren’t just about home runs and double plays; they are about teaching local youth the value of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. These funds will go directly toward helping the team cover costs for equipment, uniforms, and travel fees, ensuring that every kid has a chance to step up to the plate.

"Community isn't just a place where you live; it's a spirit of mutual support. We are honored to help the Jaguars keep the local baseball tradition alive and well in Savannah."

Why We Give

Every month, a portion of our tour proceeds is dedicated to a local non-profit or community group. We know that Savannah is more than just historic squares and Spanish moss—it’s the people and the organizations that keep our local culture thriving.

A huge thank you to our riders! By choosing to explore Savannah’s history with us, you’re helping us invest in Savannah’s future!

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Pedal Through Presidential History: A President’s Day Tour of Savannah

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Pedal Through Presidential History: A President’s Day Tour of Savannah

While most people think of President’s Day as a great time for a long weekend or a mattress sale, here in Savannah, we think of it as the perfect excuse to hop on two wheels and explore the "Hostess City’s" deep connections to the Oval Office.

From the first commander-in-chief to modern-day visits, Savannah has been a favorite stop for world leaders for centuries. This February, skip the car and see the city the way it was meant to be seen—with the wind in your hair and history around every corner.

Where Washington Slept (and Danced!)

In 1791, George Washington embarked on his famous "Southern Tour." Savannah pulled out all the stops for the first President, greeting him with a festive water parade.

  • The Bike Stop: Pedal over to Johnson Square to see Christ Church, where Washington attended Sunday service.

  • Pro-tip: While you're in the neighborhood, look for the cannons on Bay Street known as “George and Martha.” Washington gifted them to the city after his visit!

The Ultimate Christmas Gift

One of the most famous presidential connections to Savannah didn't even involve a visit. In December 1864, Union General William T. Sherman reached the city during his March to the Sea. Spared from destruction because of its beauty, Sherman sent a famous telegram to Abraham Lincoln offering him the City of Savannah as a "Christmas gift."

  • The Bike Stop: Cruise past the Green-Meldrim House on Madison Square, which served as Sherman’s headquarters during the occupation.

A Toast on a Bar Top?

Savannah is known for its "open container" laws, but one president took local spirit to a legendary level. In the 1970s, Georgia’s own Jimmy Carter reportedly stood atop the bar at Pinkie Masters to announce his candidacy for president.

  • The Bike Stop: Our tours often glide right past this iconic dive bar on Drayton Street. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates a little grassroots political grit.

Taft’s Grand Banquet

When William Howard Taft visited in 1909, the city held a banquet so massive it required 20 white doves to be released behind him. He spent "Taft Day" parading through the streets and watching acrobats in Forsyth Park.

  • The Bike Stop: We always spend time at the Forsyth Park fountain. It’s the perfect spot to park the bikes, grab a photo, and imagine the 350-pound President enjoying the Savannah sunshine.

Why Celebrate President’s Day on a Bike?

Savannah’s Historic District is a grid of 22 lush squares, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. On a bike, you can cover more ground than a walking tour but still get closer to the architecture than you ever could in a trolley.

Join us this President’s Day weekend! Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a beautiful way to spend a Monday off, our guided tours bring these stories to life.

Ready to ride like a chief? Book your President’s Day Bike Tour!

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Savannah Bike Tours: Rolling Forward for a Better Community

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Savannah Bike Tours: Rolling Forward for a Better Community

Savannah is a city defined by its history, its charm, and its famously gorgeous squares. At Savannah Bike Tours, we believe the best way to experience our beautiful hometown is at a leisurely pace, with the wind in your hair, and a local by your side. But our commitment goes far beyond providing a fantastic tour for our guests—we are deeply invested in making Savannah an even better place for those who call it home.

​Here is a closer look at how our tours benefit the wonderful Savannah community:

​1. Promoting a Healthier, More Sustainable Savannah

​Bicycling is, by its very nature, an eco-friendly mode of transportation. By taking visitors off the large, noisy tourist buses and onto two wheels, we actively support a greener city.

​Less Congestion, Cleaner Air: We take a small-footprint approach, weaving through the quiet, fume-free, lesser-known streets. This means fewer cars on the road, less noise pollution, and a commitment to preserving the air quality in our historic district.

​Encouraging Active Living: We showcase that Savannah is a flat, easily navigable city for cyclists. By making biking fun and accessible, we hope to inspire locals and visitors alike to incorporate more "people-powered mobility" into their daily lives, supporting the city's broader efforts to improve bike infrastructure like the Tide to Town urban trail system.

​2. A Dedicated Commitment to Giving Back

​We know that a beautiful, safe, and historically preserved city is the foundation of our business. That's why giving back isn't just a side project—it's central to our mission.

​Yearly Charitable Donations: Savannah Bike Tours is proud to donate thousands of dollars every year to various local charities and non-profit organizations. These contributions help support the groups that work hard to keep our city thriving, safe, and historically intact.

​Supporting Local Advocacy: We champion the work of local organizations like Historic Savannah Foundation, whose mission is to promote the preservation of Historic Savannah, GA.

​3. Boosting the Local Economy

​While we are a small, locally-owned business, our impact ripples out to support other businesses in the community.

​Authentic Local Recommendations: Our guides are your personal "Rolling Concierges." They share their passion for Savannah, which includes their favorite, hidden-gem spots. Tours often include stops near or pass by local shops, cafés, and restaurants. These authentic, insider recommendations drive business to the long-time, locally-owned establishments that truly define Savannah’s character.

​Supporting Local Jobs: As a successful local operator, we create and sustain jobs for passionate, knowledgeable Savannah residents who love sharing the city's rich history and culture.

​4. A Fresh Look for Locals

​While our tours are a must-do for visitors, we strongly encourage Savannah residents to join us!

​Rediscover Your City: Locals often tell us they see their city with "eyes anew" after a tour. Our guides point out details, share history, and provide context you might not notice on your regular route. It’s a wonderful way to learn the latest changes and appreciate the history that surrounds your home.

​The Perfect Host Activity: Have guests in town? Skip the driving and impress them by hosting a unique, engaging tour that shows off the best parts of Savannah in the most enjoyable way possible!

​We're proud to be a part of the Savannah community and grateful for the opportunity to share its story every day. When you book a tour with Savannah Bike Tours, you’re not just going for a ride—you’re contributing to the health, sustainability, and vibrancy of the city we all love.

​Ready to roll with a purpose? Book your "Pedal Through History" tour today and help us support the community, one comfortable saddle at a time!

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